So, you’ve found the perfect planner. Now what? You’ve stalked them on all of the social media platforms, liked all of their photos, and have done everything but actually contacted them.

…Sounds familiar right?

All too often I feel this is the case for many couples. It occurred to me that maybe it’s because they don’t know what to ask or say.

When it comes to weddings, they are (undoubtedly) super exciting! But with the rush of endorphins, all of the “congratulations on your engagement”’s, and the million-and-one opinions from family and friends surrounding every details about your big day they can easily get overwhelming. Having an experienced and well qualified event planner will be your ticket to wedding planning success!

But before you get there, you’ll have to do your homework, educate yourself a bit about the options in your area, and be armed with the right questions to ask your wedding planner before you decide to hire them.

There are some things that just shouldn’t be left unanswered.

Let’s get started!

1. How many weddings do you plan and execute per weekend?
   It’s important to know how many other commitments your planner takes on during the weekend of your wedding. Personally, I am a “one wedding a weekend” planner. It’s critical to me that I’m free to be on standby for you throughout the weekend as the need(s) arise. That way I’m able to be there to run any errands you may be too tied up to do and properly rest up before your wedding day so that I show up for you at my absolute best!

2. Are you there to help orchestrate our ceremony rehearsal the day before?
   This one seems rather obvious, but you’d be surprised. Some planners charge an additional fee for attending their couples ceremony rehearsals— especially if they’re at a different location than your reception. Finding out this information in the beginning will relief any potential headaches or confusion right from the start.
   

3. Do you stay until the very end of the wedding and re-pack decor and personal items?
   Personally, I pride myself in being one of the first vendors in and one of the last vendors out on wedding days. That’s how I’m able to oversee all aspects of your wedding day to make sure my hands are all over every single one of your details.

   Some planners, however, limit their availability to specific times (i.e. 1 hour for your ceremony rehearsal and 10 hours on wedding day). If this is the case, they may leave before your reception ends. This means that your family, friends, and potentially you as newlyweds take on the responsibility of re-packing your decor and personal items. If this isn’t done within your venues allotted window of time, you often face a financial penalty— not an ideal way to end your wedding night!
   

4. How involved are you throughout our planning process? Is there anything notable you do not do that we’d need to outsource ourselves?
   Setting expectations with my couples has been so valuable to me. At each step during our planning process, my couples know where we’re at, what needs to be done, and how we move along to the next step of our planning. This includes outlining what I call a “game plan” before our planning even begins!

   I very clearly outline what I take on as a planner with the couples chosen planning package and also make clear what their responsibilities are along the way.
   

5. Have you planned weddings at our venue before?
   This question is truly just for peace of mind! Having a planner experienced with your particular venue is a big benefit to you. They’ll be able to explain how things typically work at that venue (from first hand experience) and also be able to share what didn’t work so well at their last wedding to avoid doing the same for yours.

   It’s a beautiful thing!